5 Tips for a Healthy Ramadan

1. EAT YOUR SUHOOR

Don’t, and we can’t emphasis this enough, don’t skip it. Not only is it highly recommended by the Prophet himself, but it is also very healthy for you. Also, don’t forget that it’s not a race: wake up around half an hour before Fajr, plan a healthy suhoor that includes fiber and some carbohydrates, and if you still have some time left, pray a few nafil rakah or a Surah.

2. EXERCISE

A very easy and religiously beneficial way of doing this is through some extra nafil, but do exercise. During Ramadan a lot of us muslims tend to think we lose weight, when actually our deep oil fried iftars do quite the opposite. Try to take some time out for a little walk or some crunches instead of lazing away.

3. MODERATION IS KEY

It really is. Islam is a way of life and it reflects the need of balance in everything. The purpose of fasting is to gain self control, not to gorge down every grain of food when the time for Maghrib is pronounced.

4. GIVE MORE, TAKE LESS

It’s the month of control, anyways. No, it doesn’t mean you starve all day, and then at night, too. Just make yourself a lil extra food and pass it on to a neighbor, or someone needy you might come across on the roads. A little good deed goes a long way, especially in Ramadan.

5. DON’T FOCUS ON THE FOOD

Read more Qur’an – if Arabic isn’t a language you understand, buy a translated version of the Qur’an. Read stories about Prophets and share them with the kids, enlighten them about the importance of Ramadan.

Ramadan isn’t about NOT eating food, it’s about taking advantage of the one month when the devil is chained, breaking free the good in us. It’s a window into unleashing the best in ourselves, so let’s actually make use of it.

Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! (: